What is an empath? An empath is someone who feels what another person is feeling on an emotional level. Empaths place themselves in the shoes of others, feel the person’s emotions, and experience it as if it were their own.

Before, I go any further I want you to know that I am not an expert on this subject. I am only sharing my own personal experience and what I have read about empaths. From what I understand, there are several types of empaths, but I am only concentrating on an emotional empath.

An empath is born with heightened senses and these senses are increased if they experience childhood trauma. I can relate to this because of what I experienced in my childhood. By the age of five, I became very aware of my surrounds. I played well alone and was drawn to nature. There were energies around me that I could see and hear. I was very frightened because I did not understand what was happening.

I learned that as empaths grow older, they become more sensitive. They are introverts and extroverts, but most empaths are introverts. I am an extrovert when I choose to be. Spending time with family and friends is very enjoyable but the introvert part of me prefers to be alone.

When I was younger, I did not enjoy being alone. But when I started on the path of developing my spirituality and intuition, that changed. I may get out and socialize but I always leave early because I look forward to my solitude. Empaths need their time alone to recharge, contemplate, and commune with Spirit.

Because of a need to be alone, it could be difficult for an empath to maintain a relationship. As much as they may want a significant other in their life, the person would have to understand and accept who they are. Ideally, another empath would be a perfect match.

What can an empath do to protect their energy? I really struggle with this. When I pick up on others’ emotions that are sad, I cry. Once while at work, a co-worker was fired from her position. I held her hand as we talked and without warning, I became emotional and began to shed tears. I was so embarrassed. Another time, a co-worker shared with me her struggles, but things were beginning to turn around for her. Again, I cried because I felt joy that she was overcoming the years of struggle. What can I do to control this?

These are six tips I found on the internet that empaths can do to protect their energy:

• Set healthy boundaries (I am better at that now.)
• Try journaling (I journal.)
• Start a mindfulness practice (I can try that.)
• Try visualization (What do I visualize?}
• Walk in nature (I love nature.)
• Plan for emotional overload (What does that mean?)

I am trying to figure it out. How do I protect myself from taking on someone else’s emotions? If you are an empath and have figured it out, I welcome your feedback.

Love is Light & Light is Love